Rugby transfers: Harlequins capture ANOTHER British and Irish Lion, Waratahs snap up Australian powerhouse
Harlequins and NSW Waratahs have been busy in the market this week
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of former Wales and British and Irish Lions prop Wyn Jones ahead of the 2024/25 Premiership season.
The loosehead becomes the second Welshman to be announced by the club today, following the arrival of Leigh Halfpenny from the Crusaders.
Jones will add plenty of quality and international experience to the front-row. After making his Wales debut in 2017, he won 48 caps for his country and helped the team win two Six Nations titles in 2019 and 2021. Jones was also called into the British and Irish Lions squad to tour South Africa in 2021, and won one Test cap.
He has also made 136 appearances for the Scarlets, and lifted the PRO12 title in 2014 with the Llanelli-based club.
“I’m delighted to join Quins,” Jones said on the move. “I can’t wait to test myself in the Premiership and work alongside an exciting group of players.”
He added: “I’ve heard great things about the Club and the supporters, and I’m excited to work with Bomb (Adam Jones) to improve my game and help Quins achieve our objectives this season.”
Dan McKellar bolsters Waratahs pack with top recruits
Former Leicester Tigers boss Dan McKellar has been a busy man since taking the reins at the Waratahs.
He has already confirmed the signing of Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou following the collapse of Melbourne, but this isn’t the only new face in his tight five
Per reports from ROAR AU, McKellar is set to sign duo Ben Grant and Angelo Smith.
Hurricanes lock Grant – who was born in Australia and qualifies for the Wallabies – has enjoyed spells at the Western Force during their stint away from Super Rugby and in Major League Rugby before impressing in Wellington. Former Rebels man Smith will also add plenty of depth to the squad.
International power rankings: Defeat to ‘gutsy’ Ireland costs ‘mighty’ Springboks at the top
Rob Leota also heads to NSW
Smith and Tupou aren’t the only Rebels heading over to New South Wales ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby season, with the club also officially announcing the capture of Wallabies star Rob Leota.
The former Rebels skipper, who can cover both second-row and back-row, made his Super Rugby debut back in 2016 and went onto make 57 appearances for the club. He later made his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2021 and has won 20 further caps since.
“It’s great to be here at the ‘Tahs, I’ve settled in really well,” Leota said. “I’ve got good relationships with Belly, Porecki and a few other boys, but I’ve also got a lot of family in Sydney as well which has made the transition easier for me, especially leaving home for the first time.”
“It’s good to obviously have some Rebels boys here as well that I’ve played with the last couple of years,” he continued. “Darby is a Wallaby now and I know that he and Kellaway will both be great additions to the ‘Tahs next year.”
Leota also cited McKellar as a key reason for joining the club.
“Dan McKellar was another big reason why I came here as well. He’s a coach that’s hard but fair. He’s going to expect us to work hard and concentrate on the little effort areas.”
READ MORE: ‘New dogs in the neighbourhood’ – Rassie Erasmus addresses Evan Roos’ surprise Springboks omission
